#QSRNext
#QSRNEXT: 10 reasons it's a no-brainer for restaurant brands
Mark your calendar for Nov. 12, because this isn't some dusty webinar — it's a rapid-fire, packed day of industry leaders giving you the straight talk on what's working right now.
October 21, 2025 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
Seriously, people, if you are working in the restaurant industry right now — especially on the QSR side — you know the grind is real. It's an all-the-time job, constantly battling for talent, fighting inflation and trying to keep up with the tech tsunami. That's why I'm thrilled to be putting on such a critical and candid virtual talk show: #QSRNEXT.
Mark your calendar for Nov. 12, because this isn't some dusty webinar — it's a rapid-fire, packed day of industry leaders giving you the straight talk on what's working right now. And here's the biggest, best reason to click that register button: It is absolutely FREE for people who work for restaurant brands! You get priceless insights from the top brass in QSR and fast casual, and all you have to do is show up. Register here
Ready for the list? Here are my personal top 10 reasons why you cannot miss #QSRNEXT!
1. The AI reality check
We're kicking off with a bang! The opening keynote, "AI in the QSR Kitchen: From Hype to Reality," is going to be mandatory viewing. Marcus Wasdin from PAR Technology isn't just talking futurism; he's promising actionable strategies for leveraging AI to optimize your kitchen, streamline fulfillment and improve the customer experience. Stop scrolling on X and start taking notes!
2. Legacy brands spill the tea
You think you've got problems? Listen to how the legends pivot! I'm fascinated by the session "How 2 Legacy Brands are Competing with QSRs." James O'Reilly, CEO of Ascent Hospitality (Huddle House & Perkins), will reveal how his concepts are balancing decades of tradition with the cutting edge of tech to drive profitability. It's a masterclass in modernizing a classic.
3. The co-branding blueprint
This is the new economy, folks. Learn to play together! You need to hear from Allison Lauenstein and Jake Berchtold of FAT Brands as they talk about "Synergistic Bites: The Art of Co-Branding." They are pulling back the curtain on how they successfully merge massive brands like Marble Slab Creamery and Fatburger to create unique guest experiences and massive growth.
4. Conquer non-traditional spaces
Thinking outside the box is the only way to grow today! Shak Turner, director of franchise expansion at Wienerschnitzel's, is sharing their playbook for "Conquering Non-Traditional Spaces." Walmarts, airports, military bases — if you want to know how the iconic hot dog chain is charting a course for growth in unexpected, high-traffic locations, this is where you need to be.
5. Build an all-star team
The labor crisis isn't going anywhere, so your hiring game better be elite. Samir Wattar, COO of Layne's Chicken Fingers, is diving deep into "Mastering the Art of QSR Team Hiring." He'll give you the actionable insights to craft job descriptions that attract top candidates and build a high-performing crew.
6. Solve last-mile profit puzzle
Delivery is not a luxury anymore — it's survival. Braden Turner, VP of digital and restaurant technology at Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and Carlo Verdugo, VP, operations and business development at Juice It Up, will lead the session on "The Last Mile Advantage: QSR Delivery's Evolving Landscape." Stop hemorrhaging money on third-party fees and learn the strategies defining success, from in-house logistics to AI route efficiency.
7. Franchisee profitability unlocked
Franchisees are the lifeblood of our industry, and Taco John's COO Jackie Secor is sharing her growth plan in Taco John's "Unlocked: Inside the COO's Plan for Franchisee Profitability." She'll cover system-wide operations, accelerating growth and how a "people-first culture" is the key to boosting AUV.
8. The innovation vs. playbook tightrope
How do you let your franchisees innovate without compromising brand consistency? It's a delicate balance! Bill DiPaola, president and CEO of NHG, LLC, will tackle "Franchise Playbook vs. Innovation – Finding the Sweet Spot." This session is crucial for anyone who has struggled with creative risk-taking versus protecting the brand's core identity.
9. Leadership with P.I.E.
Great leaders create great brands. James Roussos, a franchise business consultant for Chicken Salad Chick, is laying out his three core principles — people, integrity and education — for cultivating a truly "follow-worthy" team in "Leading with P.I.E. – Building a Follow-Worthy Franchise."
10. You Can't Beat FREE! 🤑
I'm repeating it because it's the truth: #QSRNEXT is a gift to the industry! We know your budget is tight, so if you work for a restaurant brand, you can attend this power-packed day completely free of charge.
The insights you'll gain are easily worth thousands, but we're giving it to you for the cost of 30 minutes of your time per session.
Seriously, I'll be there for the closing remarks, and I can't wait to see your name on the attendee list. Register now and let's tackle the future of QSR together!
Bonus. It's virtual
You can wear your PJs, and don't have to book a flight or a hotel room.
About Cherryh Cansler
